Detroit

Macomb County Man Charged With First-Degree Child Abuse, Faces Possible Life Sentence

AI Assisted Icon
Published on August 08, 2025
Macomb County Man Charged With First-Degree Child Abuse, Faces Possible Life SentenceSource: Wikipedia/Michael Coghlan from Adelaide, Australia, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A 39-year-old Macomb County man is currently facing charges for allegedly abusing his child leading to serious injuries, as reported by multiple local sources. Michael Antonelli was arraigned yesterday on charges of first-degree child abuse. Accused of causing harm to his child between May 14 and June 2, Antonelli's arrest follows a hospital visit that unveiled multiple fractures on the young victim.

Following the arraignment, a judge set Antonelli's bond at $250,000 cash/surety – no 10% — and ordered that he quickly be equipped with a GPS tether upon release, as stated by CBS News Detroit. Additionally, Antonelli is prohibited from contact with any person under age 18, including his own children.

ClickOnDetroit further detailed that Antonelli remains in custody and, if convicted, he faces the possibility to spend life in prison. The child was taken to Children's Hospital of Michigan, where a medical evaluation found several fractures that suggested intentional trauma. Officials have yet to release the full details of the case to the public due to its sensitive nature.

Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido was quoted as saying, "This is an extremely sad and difficult case. Our focus remains where it must be, on protecting children and pursuing justice. It is essential that we allow the judicial system to run its course, guided by evidence and due process," according to FOX 2 Detroit. Antonelli is scheduled to appear back in court on August 20 for a probable cause conference and again on August 27 for a preliminary exam.